perjure

verb

per·​jure ˈpər-jər How to pronounce perjure (audio)
perjured; perjuring ˈpər-jə-riŋ How to pronounce perjure (audio)
ˈpərj-riŋ

transitive verb

1
: to make a perjurer of (oneself)
2
dated : to cause to commit perjury

Examples of perjure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the letter to a top state pension official, Raoul’s office maintained that matters about which Mapes perjured himself were directly connected to his more than two decades as a top governmental aide to Madigan. Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 Durbin’s subsequent allegation that Patel may have perjured himself before the Senate stems from an exchange Patel had with Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., during his confirmation hearing before the Judiciary panel on Jan. 30. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025 If these allegations are true, Mr. Patel may have perjured himself before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 But a federal judge suggested that Cohen perjured himself either in his testimony or his guilty plea. San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for perjure

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French parjurer, perjurer, from Latin perjurare, from per- detrimentally, for the worse + jurare to swear — more at per-, jury

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perjure was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Perjure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perjure. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

perjure

verb
per·​jure ˈpər-jər How to pronounce perjure (audio)
perjured; perjuring ˈpərj-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce perjure (audio)
: to make (oneself) guilty of perjury
perjurer
ˈpər-jər-ər
noun

Legal Definition

perjure

transitive verb
per·​jure ˈpər-jər How to pronounce perjure (audio)
perjured; perjuring
: to make a perjurer of (oneself)

More from Merriam-Webster on perjure

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